What does Preamble of SOUL Act of 2026 do?

This bill proposes to amend Title 17 of the United States Code. The stated purpose is to establish sovereign ownership rights in unique likeness for U.S. citizens. The bill also aims to protect against unauthorized digital replications and abuses.

What does SHORT TITLE. of SOUL Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Sovereign Ownership of Unique Likeness Act of 2026.

What does AMENDMENT TO TITLE 17, UNITED STATES CODE. of SOUL Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Title 17, United States Code, by adding a new chapter concerning sovereign ownership of unique likeness. The chapter defines key terms including 'individual's unique likeness,' encompassing traits like name, image, likeness, voice, biometric identifiers, genetic markers, and digital replicas. U.S. citizens are granted exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, publicly display, perform, or create derivative works based on their unique likeness, lasting for the individual's life plus 50 years after death. Exceptions to these rights include non-commercial fair use, government activities, and activities protected by the First Amendment. Owners can pursue civil actions in federal district court for violations, seeking injunctive relief, takedown orders, and statutory damages (ranging from $750 to $150,000 per violation). Platforms are liable if they fail to remove unauthorized content after receiving a valid takedown notice, but may qualify for safe harbor protection. This chapter preempts state laws providing equivalent rights or remedies for unique likeness. The chapter does not provide criminal penalties and does not affect uses authorized before its effective date.

What does EFFECTIVE DATE. of SOUL Act of 2026 do?

This Act will become effective 90 days after its enactment.

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SOUL Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/16/2026 · Introduced: 4/16/2026

Author: Andy Biggs (R-AZ)

TL;DR (AI)

The SOUL Act of 2026 grants U.S. citizens exclusive rights to control the reproduction, distribution, and use of their unique likeness, including name, image, voice, and digital replicas, for their lifetime plus 50 years.
Individuals can pursue civil action in federal court against those violating their likeness rights, seeking damages and takedown orders for unauthorized content.
Online platforms are liable for failing to remove infringing content after receiving a valid takedown notice, but may be protected if they follow specific procedures.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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